The Classic West
Dive into the culture and sights of the western U.S. From famous national parks and Indian reservations to natural wonders like the Mojave Desert and Grand Canyon, this tour encompasses all that makes the West so grand.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles arrival
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel.
Day 2: Los Angeles - Mojave Desert - Laughlin
This morning, set out east through the Mojave Desert for Laughlin, Nevada, an oasis bordered by rugged desert and the Colorado River. From outdoor adventure on the Colorado River to indoor entertainment indulgences, Laughlin offers a wide variety of activities.
Day 3: Laughlin - Kingman - Grand Canyon
Set out east today for Kingman where you will join Route 66 and travel along the longest stretch that remains of this historic route to Seligman. Continue north to Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road, visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days.
Day 4: Grand Canyon - Painted Desert - Monument Valley/Kayenta
We suggest rising early to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon, this once in a lifetime opportunity should not be missed. Later today, travel east through the Painted Desert for an unforgettable encounter with Arizona nature. Continue through the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation before arriving at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where sandstone pinnacles, arches and mesas of rich red and orange rise out of the barren, sandy landscape.
Day 5: Monument Valley/Kayenta - Page/Lake Powell
Venture east through Black Mesa, a complex of huge mesas that cover hundreds of square miles in the Navajo and Hopi Nations in Arizona, on your way to Lake Powell. This vast, blue man-made lake is surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls and is considered a virtual playground for visitors.
Day 6: Page/Lake Powell - Kanab - Bryce Canyon
This morning, set out west for Kanab where the exhilarating scent of sage and cedar fills the clear southwest air, then head north to Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park. Famous for its unique geology, Bryce Canyon consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters where the power of wind, water and geologic mayhem has etched the pink cliffs and shaped the colorful limestone rock into thousands of spires called "hoodoos".
Day 7: Bryce Canyon - Zion National Park - Las Vegas
Spend the morning exploring more of Bryce Canyon before heading west to Zion National Park. In Zion, Utah's oldest national park known for its incredible canyons and spectacular views, you can follow the paths of ancient native people and gaze at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into the bright blue sky. Consider challenging your courage in a slot canyon. Later today, continue west to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that needs no introduction.
Day 8: Las Vegas
Enjoy a full day Las Vegas style. Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts and flashing neon lights, place a bet at one of the many casinos, dine at world-class restaurants, catch the latest must-see show, shop designer boutiques, ride a rollercoaster, lay by the pool ... the list goes on. With so much to do, 24 hours in a day hardly seems like enough.
Day 9: Las Vegas - Death Valley
Today's journey west takes you to the lowest elevation in North America, Death Valley National Park. Here, the Mojave is at its most magnificent with geological history on full display in this rugged, severe, sublime section of California. Enhance your desert experience with a stop at Zabriskie Point offering spectacular views of the wildly eroded and vibrantly colored badlands.
Day 10: Death Valley - Yosemite**
This morning, travel north into the High Sierra where Tioga Road, the highest drivable pass in California, leads you into Yosemite National Park. Delve into the depths of the park with a walk to a waterfall, each as distinct as the granite cliffs they dive over, or learn about the wonders of the park during a ranger-guided stroll. Explore a giant sequoia grove and meet the most massive trees on earth, or spend an evening under the stars. With approximately 800 miles of trails, Yosemite is also a great place to hike. **From early November to late May, Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will need to drive the southern route through Bakersfield and Fresno into the Yosemite area.
Day 11: Yosemite - Lake Tahoe
Leave the wonder of Yosemite behind as you journey north via Bridgeport and Devil's Gate Pass en-route to Lake Tahoe. Here, where California and Nevada meet, you can discover this pristine jewel of nature surrounded on all sides by the Sierra Nevada mountain range. There are many opportunities to explore the lake, rent a speedboat from the Marina or simply stroll along the shore and dip your toes in the cool mountain water.
Day 12: Lake Tahoe - Sacramento - San Francisco
Today's journey west takes you through Gold Rush-era attractions, California's State Capital, Sacramento, and on to San Francisco. Considered one the greatest cities in the world, San Francisco offers one-of-a-kind sights and something to suit your every need.
Day 13: San Francisco
With 49 square miles of amazing sights, scenes and destinations, there's always plenty to do in San Francisco. Spend a full day exploring the beloved City by the Bay's neighborhoods including: Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero/Financial District, and Golden Gate Park. To experience something truly unique, walk along the railings of the Golden Gate Bridge or take a ride on an iconic Cable Car.
Day 14: San Francisco departure
Return your rental car at San Francisco International Airport prior to your departure.
Customise this itinerary to travel at your own pace.
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Grand Canyon - View one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon.
Painted Desert - Encounter the rocky badlands of the Painted Desert.
Navajo Nation's Monument Valley - Be surrounded by sandstone masterpieces in the Navajo Nation's Monument Valley.
Bryce Canyon - Behold the rich colors of Bryce Canyon's famous spires, called 'hoodoos'.
Zion - Gaze at Zion's massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red.
Las Vegas - Enjoy 24 hour entertainment in glittering Las Vegas.
Death Valley - Stand at the lowest land elevation in North America in Death Valley.
Yosemite - Glimpse the largest monoliths of exposed granite in Yosemite.
Lake Tahoe - See Lake Tahoe, the deep blue jewel of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Sacramento - Visit Sacramento, California's state capital.
Golden Gate Bridge - Walk along the railings of San Francisco's world famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Highway 1 - Experience California's Central Coast splendour on Highway 1.
Our favourite places to stay:
• Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel, Los Angeles
• Aquarius Casino Resort, BW Premier Collection, Laughlin.
• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn, Grand Canyon
• Kayenta Monument Valley Inn, Monument Valley
• Travelodge Page, Lake Powell
• Bryce View Lodge, Bryce Canyon
• Excalibur Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
• Stovepipe Wells Village, Death Valley
• Cedar Lodge, Yosemite
• Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, Lake Tahoe
• Comfort Inn by the Bay, San Francisco
Choosing your Rental Car
Take into consideration the size of the vehicle you require. We recommend a minimum of a medium sized SUV for two adults. This will give you space and freedom when you're travelling, and room for those extra purchases that you may make along the way. Book your car with House of Travel before leaving home as this will save money and ensure you get the car of your choice.
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